The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has received public enquiries about SMS messages purportedly sent from HKMA asking to obtain security clearance permit to release funds from their local bank accounts.

The HKMA would like to alert the public that no SMS message is made by the HKMA to any member of the public in relation to such issues. Nor will they request the public to provide sensitive information via phone calls, emails or SMS messages. Members of the public must stay vigilant protecting their personal information at all times.

Anyone who has provided his or her personal information to these callers should immediately report to the Police or contact the Commercial Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012 so that the Police may follow up and investigate the cases and help protect those affected from suffering potential financial losses as a result of disclosing such information.